Joe Ingles leaves the NBA and signs with Melbourne United to come full circle
The news had been circulating for several weeks, but it is now official: Joe Ingles is closing the chapter on twelve years in the NBA to join Melbourne United in the NBL. The forward, who played for the Jazz, the Bucks, the Magic and the Timberwolves over his last two seasons, has signed a two-year deal with the Australian club.
A homecoming full of emotion
For Ingles, this decision goes beyond basketball. Returning to Melbourne, where he began his professional career with the South Dragons — now defunct — and where he won an NBL title in 2009, means far more than a simple transfer. « Coming back to Melbourne is something incredibly special, » he said. « Returning to where my professional career started nearly 20 years ago is something I don’t take for granted. So much has happened since then, but I’ve always felt at home in Melbourne. We’re really excited to reconnect with the local community and be closer to our family and friends again. After so many years away, this moment means a lot to us. »
Despite limited playing time over his last two seasons at Minnesota — just 267 minutes in the regular season — Ingles played a key role in the Wolves‘ locker room. His impact went well beyond statistics, as Jaylen Clark attested: « He says what he thinks, he really doesn’t care. He’s positive in a weird way (laughs). He always tells you what you need to hear. »
BREAKING: 11-year #NBA veteran Joe Ingles has signed with Melbourne United in the NBL, as reported by ESPN Basketball Insider @OlgunUluc late last month. pic.twitter.com/xy84ZCV6BE
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 18, 2026
A leader expected to take Melbourne to the top
On the basketball side, Ingles arrives with clear ambitions. « From a basketball standpoint, this opportunity genuinely excited me. I still love competing, I still love this sport, and I genuinely believe I can help this team win, » he said. « I’ve always loved playing in environments where team-first basketball is the priority, built on toughness, togetherness and attention to detail, and I think Melbourne United embodies all of that. »
Alongside him, he will be reunited with Chris Goulding, the club’s iconic captain for nearly ten years. The 37-year-old international guard is thrilled about the signing: « Joe will be a great asset for the team. His basketball IQ, leadership and shooting ability make him a great teammate and someone everyone will love playing with. »
« I’m not 21 anymore… I’m very self-aware of where I’m at in my career. »
Joe Ingles sits down with ESPN’s Olgun Uluc after announcing the move to the NBL.
#NBL pic.twitter.com/t38BIZt5q2— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 20, 2026
The Australian club finished last season in fifth place in the NBL. With the experience of Ingles, they hope to take a step forward and challenge for the national title. The 2026-2027 season is scheduled to begin in mid-September.
On the Minnesota side, Ingles‘ departure frees up a roster spot that the Wolves could give to a young player such as Enrique Freeman or Rocco Zikarsky, or fill through free agency with a new veteran.
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